Lunchtime Nap Scout…

Happy Muthafuckin Wednesday….that definitely does not work. It doesn’t have the same ring to it as Friday. I thought I’d give it a try. I’m a little a behind this week and I apologize. This post is usually already up but the delay of my Podcast (The Toke Talking Podcast) along with some needed sleep, derailed everything else. Never the less here it is a day late but from here on out all is back to as normal as normal can be. I actually was planning on posting this yesterday around noon but I ended up having to go the care of some business. I’m mostly off this and next week as there are several shows going on hiatus for the Thanksgiving holiday right now. I will happily welcome the time off as I always do. Alright let’s get into this shall we?

Today I wanted to talk about napping on set because let’s be honest when you work 70 plus hours a week sleep is going to have to happen somewhere. I think everyone in this business at some point or another has takes a little snooze at lunchtime. It can really be refreshing. It can also be terrible and put you in an even more tired state which sucks but always worth the risk. Sleep is awesome! I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say they don’t enjoy sleeping. I mean I’m sure there’s some folks out there that maybe have nightmares all the time that hate sleep but for the most part I believe the love and enjoyment of sleep is universal.

Now crew doesn’t have the a trailer like the actors and actresses where they can go rest during lunch where most naps take place. We also don’t have offices like the producers or writers that usually come complete with a comfy couch to crash on for an hour. The crew has to get creative and look for a place to catch a couple of Z’s. Most crew people head to their cars but those that don’t go on what I call Lunchtime Scout Nap at some point early in the day. During this scout this person will look around all the sets, every hidden dark corner and any open doors that may lead to rooms no one is using on stage so they know where to go at lunchtime.

While one may think that sleeping on sets makes perfect sense, especially when your working on a show that has a house full of beds…that’s a big no-no. It’s the equivalent of sleeping on someones desk if you were in an office environment. The sets were constructed and decorated by other fellow employees and one should never just jump in a bed and make themselves at home. This may sound like everyone in the business would know not to ever do this but you would be surprised. I had to wake up someone who was sleeping in a set bed a few weeks ago and after I told them that they (Higher ups) were requesting them to not sleep there their response was “But I don’t understand why.” We work with some special people my friends.

Sure one should never sleep on the beds, couches or any furniture but they do make perfect spots to sleep behind and get a little privacy during nap time and people do just that. If you walk on any set at lunchtime it usually will look like a sleep over or like the night after a crazy party with people passed out on floors all over the place. As you look around the dark set you’ll see feet extending out from behind furniture all over the place. It’s a really quite amusing site to see.

The last place to go for most crew people especially if we’re out on location is the truck to which your department reports to. This is also an interesting place to nap because people get very creative in the truck. I’ve seen trucks hooked up with 5-6 hammocks and soft easy music playing in it before. I’ve known crew peeps that have their own cot that they bring to set everyday. I’ve seen crew make beds on the shelves hanging on the side of the truck. These fucking people get creative as hell and it comes as no surprise, they make crazy creative shit every day at work.

Although I must say one of the perks of working in the production department is that we always know of any empty rooms in the honey wagon, at basecamp or on stage because we assign those rooms. This is awesome because nothing beats a nice quite room to yourself to take a little power nap mid way through your day. I have definitely taken advantage of this perk PLENTY of times. Unfortunately we tend to be there longer than most so being comfortable for those 30-45 minutes really can mean the world during a 14 hour day. Although I will say that there have been a few times that I have dosed off on set just sitting or leaning somewhere. It’s the worse because when you wake up you have no idea how long you’ve been out, whether or not you were called on the radio…were you snoring? Did anyone see you? All these thoughts race through your head every time and it’s always just as confusing as the time before it. It’s terrible!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out another post here at We’re Not Rolling. I hope you all have a great week and don’t forget to check out our newest section here on the site called Wednesday’s at The Corner. I’ll be back to bring you another post on Friday but till then I bid you a fond farewell. Be good to one another everyone.

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Welcome to We’re Not Rolling

Hello all! Welcome to my blog. I started this crazy thing because I've been working in the film industry now for several years now and I needed an avenue to tell some of the insane stories and adventures that I've been on during that time. I also needed to vent about some of the ridiculousness that goes on in this crazy circus that we call a job. I won't ever use any names or specifics so if you're looking for industry gossip this is not the blog for you. I apologize if anyone is offended by anything on here but seriously it's my opinion, no one is telling you to read it. I love working in this business and could never imagine doing anything else, even if it sounds like it makes me crazy at times. It's fucking awsome! Hope you enjoy the rambling and if you got any suggestions let me know.
-PEACE